Top 2012 Major League Pitchers to grab off the waiver wire for the second half
In my quest to help you put together the best fantasy team possible we will be taking a look at the top pitchers that are poised to burst onto the scene in the second half of fantasy baseball 2012. All fantasy owners are aware of the current top pitchers of 2012, including R.A. Dickey and Lance Lynn, but who are the next group of pitchers that are poised for success after the All-Star game of 2012.
Here are 5 of our top 2012 picks for breakout pitcher that should be available off waivers in your league.
As always any questions please post them in the forums so the community can get involved in the discussion.
CHICAGO, IL – JULY 1: Starting pitcher Travis Wood #30 of the Chicago Cubs against the Houston Astros on July 1, 2012 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
#5 Travis Wood – Chicago Cubs – LHP (3-3, 3.05 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 56 IP, 39 K/ 20 BB)
Back in 2010 when Wood came up with the Reds he looked like the next big thing as he threw for 102.2 innings, had a nice 86 K/ 26 BB, and maintained a low WHIP at 1.08. He wasn’t able to reproduce those numbers in 2011 as his ERA blew up to 4.84, and WHIP skyrocketed to 1.49. In swooped the Cubs for 2012, and now Wood is putting up very similar numbers to his first season in the big leagues. While Wrigley isn’t the easiest ballpark to pitch in, Wood could offer some value to owners looking for a low ERA/WHIP after the All-Star break. His walk totals are still a littler higher than owners would like, as he has walked 20 in 56 IP, but if those numbers come down, his WHIP will end up right around 1.00 on the season. Travis won’t be blowing anyone away with his strikeout numbers this year, so he will make a good spot start candidate for fantasy owners after the break.
#4 Jonathon Niese – New York Mets – LHP (7-3, 3.35 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 96.2 IP, 88 K/ 32 BB)
The 2012 version of the Miracle Mets has featured many surprises, one of which is Jonathon Niese. He is just 26 years old this season, and looks to have a bright future ahead of him. This is his 3rd full season in the big leagues, and Niese is starting to figure out opposing hitters. He is striking out nearly a batter per inning, and is on pace for 200 IP in 2012. As the season has gone on, Jonathon has gotten better. On 6/27 against the Cubs he went 7 IP while giving up just 1 ER, 1 BB, and striking out 6, then on 7/3 against the Phillies he went 8 strong innings giving up 1 ER, 2 BB, with 3 SO. Niese looks like the real deal, and if the Mets can keep hitting for him he could be in line for a nice second half.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 19: Scott Diamond #58 of the Minnesota Twins throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the third inning during a game at Yankee Stadium on September 19, 2011 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
#3 Scott Diamond – Minnesota Twins – LHP (7-3, 2.63 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 72 IP, 41 K/ 11 BB)
Scott Diamond has largely gone unnoticed as one of the top pitchers in fantasy baseball this season. With an ERA in the mid 2′s, he has been confusing hitters in the AL Central all year, and should be owned in all fantasy formats going forward. Dating back to May 13th he has gone at least 5 innings in each appearance, and a major key to that is keeping his walk totals down. Diamond isn’t a big strikeout pitcher as evidenced by his 41 K’s in 72 IP, but he will maintain a low WHIP and ERA, and with the Twins offense playing much better than expected this year he should be able to get to 15 wins this season.
#2 Jose Quintana – Chicago White Sox – LHP (3-1, 2.19 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 49.1 IP, 29 K/ 9 BB)
The 23-year old Quintana is poised to be the breakout rookie pitcher in the American League this season. Since gaining a permanent spot in the starting rotation on June 6th, Quintana has started 5 games with a line of 33.1 IP, 9 ER, 20 K/ 4 BB. Those numbers don’t look that impressive, until you realize the 6 of those ER came in one game against the Yankees which is the only reason his ERA is over 2. While there is a chance that the White Sox impose an innings limit on the young lefty this season, he should be added in all formats where owners are looking for pitching help post All-Star break.
Mike Fiers on July 05, 2012 at Miller Park (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
#1 Mike Fiers – Milwaukee Brewers – RHP (3-2, 2.29 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 39.1 IP, 41 K/ 8 BB)
Never heard of Mike Fiers? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone as his ownership numbers are still in single digits across fantasy base ball formats. This is due in large part to the Brewers own indecision about whether to use the rookie as a starter or bullpen relief. He is making an excellent case to stick in the starting rotation this year as he hadn’t given up an ER in his last 3 appearances against 3 very solid offensive lineups in the Blue Jays, White Sox, and Diamondbacks. Fiers is striking out over a batter per inning, and with a miniscule ERA and WHIP should be added in all formats as long as he remains a starting pitcher. The Brewers have every reason to stick with the young right hander after the All-Star game, and so should you in the world of fantasy sports.
That is it for today, if you need pitching help any one of these guys would make a great addition to your team, but my recommendation would be to check out Mike Fiers first.
Top 2012 Major League Pitchers to grab off the waiver wire for the second half was originally published on Fantasy Team Advice